2015 Chateauneuf du Pape
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Tasting Notes
The 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape is a classic blend of 75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault, mostly from rolled stone terroirs, that was partially destemmed and will see 15 months all in foudre. It boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as full-bodied richness, sweet tannin and textbook Southern Rhône notes of cured meats, toasted spice, garrigue and ample red and black fruits. It will have two decades or more of prime drinking.<br><br>Along with a small handful of other estates, I consider Claire Michel’s le Vieux Donjon at the top of the heap when it comes to classic, age-worthy and traditionally made Châteauneuf du Papes. Oct 2016, www.robertparker.com
Critic Scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Crista (north), Moulin à Vent, Mourre de Gaud, Pied de Baud, Pied Long. 5% Cinsault, 75% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah. Partial whole bunch. Vinified in cement tank. Aged for 18 months in foudre. Tasted blind. Very dark healthy crimson. Lightly medicinal on the nose. Lots of energy here with big fruit impact and fine tannins. This should deliver. A confident, non-formulaic rendition. Long and spicy. Quite intense. 14.8% Nov 2016, www.jancisrobinson.com, Drink: 2023-2035
(aged in a combination of concrete tanks and foudres) Vivid ruby. Sexy, high-pitched red berry preserve, floral pastille and Asian spice aromas show outstanding clarity. Sappy, penetrating black raspberry, spicecake and licorice flavors gain weight with air and pick up suggestions of blood orange and smoky minerals. Shows impressive depth and polish, alluring sweetness and no rough edges. Showcases the best attributes of this warm vintage, finishing with silky, mounting tannins and lingering florality. Mar 2017, www.vinous.com
These days, Vieux Donjon is one of the few estates in the region making only a single cuvee (Close des Papes is another). The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape is a floral, violet-scented wine that's supple and ripe. Only medium to full-bodied, it showcases complex garrigue and licorice notes rather than oodles of red fruit and comes to a long, silky finish. Oct 2017, www.robertparker.com